1963–1964 Honda S Sports 500 Specs & Performance

The 1963–1964 Honda S Sports 500 captures Honda’s early sports-car character in a lightweight two-seat roadster powered by a 0.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four. Its AS280E engine produces 43 hp at 8,000 rpm and 32 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm, with DOHC, two valves per cylinder and carburetor fuel delivery. Rear-wheel drive and a 4-speed manual transmission send the 1,583-pound roadster to 60 mph in 18.9 seconds and a listed 90 mph top speed, with a 36.82 lb/hp power-to-weight ratio.

Double-wishbone front suspension and trailing-arm rear suspension are paired with drum brakes at both ends and 520 × 13 tyres. Measuring 129.9 × 56.3 × 47.2 inches, the S Sports 500 has a compact 78.7-inch wheelbase with 45.3-inch front and 44.4-inch rear tracks. Its 6.6-gallon fuel tank supports the listed 45 mpg combined economy and 296-mile total range, while the page also lists a 28.2-foot turning radius and a 9.5:1 compression ratio.